‘Didn’t hesitate to act’: Off-duty Great Bend PD officer arrests suspect in Towne East mall shooting

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Great Bend Police Department is recognizing one of their own officers for stepping up and making an arrest Friday during the shooting at Towne East mall.

Great Bend PD says Paul Millard, a school resource officer, was off-duty and shopping at Towne East when the shooting occurred.

Millard, who was wearing plain clothes, detained one of the three suspects as Wichita Police officers arrived to the scene.

“Relying on his training and instincts, Officer Millard quickly intervened, helping to stop the threat and ensuring no further injury was caused,” said Great Bend PD in a social media post. “His actions reflect the very best of what it means to serve and protect - whether on the clock or not.”

The shooting in the mall parking lot started after a fight between five teenage boys.

The two victims, ages 15 and 17, were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Wichita Police said the 17-year-old primary suspect was arrested for two counts of attempted murder. The other two suspects, both 16-years-old, will be booked with disorderly conducted related to the fight.